Total rainfalls during the growing season were 142 and 512 mm in 2000 and 2002,
respectively. The rainfall was less but continued until mid-April and ceased after that in
2000. Hence, irrigation was started on 1 May (121st Julian Day) and five irrigations were
applied with approximately 9–10 day intervals in 2000. In 2002 growing season, more
abundant rainfall occurred at the end of April. Irrigation was started on 3 May; therefore,
less irrigation (three times) were applied in 2002. Irrigation intervals were also
approximately 10 days in 2002. The amount of water applied varied between 48 and 97 mm
per event to bring the soil moisture level to field capacity (Table 2). Irrigation regimes of
the early potato crop in Mediterranean environment mainly depend on rainfall regime
(Foti, 1999).